On their first day in the territory, the Shuckle huddled together inside Ryan's cabin, too frightened to move.
Only on the next day, after much gentle persuasion from Ryan, did they finally muster the courage to peek outside.
Through cracks in the wooden doors and windows, they cautiously observed the world beyond.
They saw how Ryan cared for his Pokémon, how he always brought back fresh fruit when returning from the fields. Whenever that happened, Simsear and the Foongus would dart forward in excitement, chattering happily.
At mealtime, the Shuckle watched Ryan and the others gather around the table. Pokémon and humans sat together, sharing freshly cooked food and laughter.
Then came bedtime.
Ryan squeezed into the narrow bed with the Pokémon curled around him, everyone nestled close in a pile of warmth and quiet breathing.
It was a scene the timid Shuckle had never witnessed before.
The next morning, curiosity got the better of them.
Led by Ryan, the Shuckle finally ventured outdoors to explore the settlement.
They saw Snover playing with human children, Magikarp splashing happily in the pond, Dugtrio busily tilling the fields alongside farmers, and Petilil basking lazily in the sunlit herb garden.
Everywhere they looked, Pokémon and humans lived together in harmony.
Here, no one was hunted. No one went hungry. Everyone smiled.
"Shuu…?"
The Shuckle blinked in disbelief.
Could this place truly be so peaceful?
The longer they watched, the warmer their hearts grew. By the end of the day, the decision came naturally.
They wanted to stay.
When Ryan relayed the news, Lucien was delighted.
That very morning, he designed a special home for them, a large, wooden hive-like shelter built in the orchard. The structure had four tiers, each hollow chamber carefully sized for a single Shuckle.
Though modest, the sturdy wooden nest made them feel safe, something they had never experienced in the wild.
As the Shuckle one by one crawled into their new compartments, Lucien smiled and asked,
"Well then, how do you like it here?"
"Shuckle!"
Eight tiny red heads popped out of the hive in unison, their eyes gleaming with joy.
Lucien chuckled. "Good. Because by August, these fruit trees will be heavy with berries, and you can eat as much as you like."
The Shuckle's eyes lit up at the thought of endless fruit.
"But," Lucien continued with a playful tone, "I'd like to ask a little favor in return."
"Shuu?"
He smiled. "I've heard that the sap you produce is delicious and even restores a Pokémon's strength. Would you help us make some? We'll bring you all the berries you need."
The Shuckle understood immediately.
Brewing sap was second nature to them, they only needed to stuff berries into their shells, and as they rested, the juices would ferment into thick, healing syrup.
The group nodded eagerly.
"Shuu~!"
"Okay, deal!" Lucien said with a smile.
"In exchange, we'll ensure your safety and provide you with plenty of food."
The Shuckle looked at one another, and their eyes lit up.
"Shuu~!"
To them, it felt like they'd struck gold.
Food and safety in exchange for a little sap? It was the best bargain they'd ever heard!
Still, a few of them tilted their heads in confusion.
"Shuu…?"
Wouldn't the humans be at a disadvantage in this trade?
But then, one Shuckle suddenly chirped as an idea struck.
"Shuu! Shuu~!"
If Lucien needed their sap, then all they had to do was work harder and make more of it!
The others quickly agreed, their shells bobbing in unison.
Lucien didn't understand their chatter, but their cheerful tone made the meaning clear enough.
"Then it's settled," Lucien said warmly.
"Shuu~!"
That night, thanks to the Shuckle's efforts, Lucien, Dratini, and Snivy shared the first batch of freshly brewed berry sap.
Lucien took a sip, and blinked in surprise.
It was thick and sweet, with a hint of tartness, somewhere between yogurt and honey.
"Hmm… that's good," Lucien murmured, swirling it in his cup. "A little sour, a little sweet… this could even become a trade specialty one day."
He smiled at the thought.
'Maybe it can be sold as a specialty to other towns in the future,' Lucien thought
"Alright, Elif," Lucien said after a while, setting the cup down. "It's late. You should get some rest."
"Yes, Your Highness Lucien. Please rest well," Elif said, bowing.
Just as Elif turned to leave;
A sudden uproar erupted outside.
Screams. Shouts. Cries of joy.
Lucien froze mid-step.
"What's happening?"
Elif shook his head, equally startled.
Without hesitation, Lucien rose and strode out of the lord's hall. Elif hurried after him.
They followed the noise to the open square.
A massive crowd had gathered, their torches casting golden light across the faces of hundreds of men and women.
Lucien blinked in disbelief.
"So many people…?"
Then Elif's eyes widened, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Your Highness Lucien! Look, it's Sir Geralt!"
Lucien turned, and his breath caught.
A tall, silver-haired man strode toward him through the crowd, his armor battered yet gleaming in the firelight.
Behind him lumbered a towering Pokémon, an Haxorus, its axe-shaped tusks catching the torchlight like molten gold.
Lucien's heart skipped a beat.
The man approached, dropped to one knee, and lowered his head.
"Your Highness!"
Lucien stared at him for a heartbeat before whispering, "Geralt…?"
The name stirred a flood of memories, his most trusted knight, the leader of the Twin Dragon Order. A man once believed lost to the snowstorm.
Lucien's eyes widened, then softened with relief.
"You survived!"
Geralt bowed his head slightly.
"After we separated, I fought the beasts until they finally let me go. I searched for you for months… and along the way, I found those who were lost."
He paused, voice steady despite the weight of his words."I led them to a nearby village, where Ivan found us not long ago."
Lucien exhaled, relief flooding through him. "I'm glad you're alive…"
As he looked past Geralt, he saw them, dozens upon dozens of familiar faces.
Men, women, children… all once thought lost to the blizzard.
A warm notification blinked before Lucien's eyes:
[Population: 299 Citizens]
Tears and laughter filled the air as families reunited, embracing one another after months apart.
Lucien smiled quietly. "Welcome home."
Then, turning to Geralt, he reached out and helped him to his feet.
"Get up."
His gaze fell on the Haxorus beside him, its massive tusks gleaming faintly in the moonlight.
"And that beast?" Lucien asked.
Geralt placed a hand on the creature's flank.
"I fought it during my journey. In the end, it yielded… and has followed me ever since."
Lucien blinked in astonishment.
He'd known Geralt was strong, but to defeat a Haxorus and earn its loyalty? That was beyond imagination.
Still, this wasn't the time for questions.
Lucien turned back to the crowd, his voice rising above the chatter:
"Elif! Prepare food for everyone, we're celebrating tonight!"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Elif said, his eyes shining.
...
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